Inter Milan are in the middle of a rebuilding phase, as old heads depart and are marginalized in large numbers to make way for the new generation that is gradually emerging at the club.

The most important part of this painful transition is the transfers strategy of the team, and the decisions that the organizational brass make during the next couple of windows will have a significant impact on the club's performance in the immediate future.

This summer, in particular, is extremely important to the development of the squad. With many holes to fill and positions to solidify, the right acquisitions can make Inter a force in a relatively short period of time.

Here are several players who the Nerazzurri could look to sign that would have that sort of impact. Some are the result of pure speculation, while others have actually been linked in the past.

Fernando Llorente

Michael Regan/Getty Images

As Inter look to fill the hole left by the departure of Samuel Eto'o one year ago, Fernando Llorente has become available during yet another summer.

With Diego Forlan departed, Diego Milito is the only quality striking option left at the club, and he is 33-years-old. If Giampaolo Pazzini could produce on a more consistent basis and prove that he is more than a complementary player, Inter would not have any issues at striker.

But, since they do, Llorente would be the perfect solution.

Strong and powerful, yet surprisingly nimble and effective with the ball at his feet, he would have no trouble adapting to Italy and serving as a target man for the balls of Wesley Sneijder and company.

Ibrahim Afellay

After falling down the incredibly deep pecking order at Barcelona due to a long absence last season, it is no surprise that Ibrahim Afellay is on the chopping block.

Yet, past performances for club and recent ones for country at Euro 2012 have shown that the Dutchman is a dynamic wing creator who is worthy of a roster spot with most top European teams.

Inter could use that sort of ingenuity, and Wesley Sneijder knows it. That's why, according to talkSPORT, he has reportedly suggested to the club's executives that they sign his compatriot for what would surely be a relatively modest fee.

If he were to finally get consistent playing time, I think we'd see the best come out of a great talent.

Aly Cissokho

Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images

Cissokho is a player who ticks nearly all the boxes for Inter.

Cristian Chivu's consistently underwhelming displays at left back mean that the club needs a replacement, and Cissokho would fill that void. Stepping up from a club like Lyon and having been available for a while, his price should be low, as well.

Moreover, the pace and attacking instinct that he offers would be a welcome change from the lackluster performances that fans have become accustomed to seeing on the left side.

Inter would probably have to fight off interest from a number of other clubs for Cissokho's signature, but that merely proves how good the Frenchman is.

Aleksandar Kolarov

Another left back with class and attacking drive, Inter could probably get Aleksandar Kolarov for relatively little money from Manchester City.

Inter would get a set-piece specialist with a vicious cross and pace to burn who has experience in Europe's top league against some of its best competition.

Plus, he already has experience in Italy from his time at Lazio, for whom he played before his big-money move to City two years ago.

Kolarov's name has been mentioned by Setanta Sports and others in connection with the club for some time, but a move never materialized. Now, though, with the transfer window open and a full slate of exits, the time has never been better for a move.

Clint Dempsey

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

You might not have considered this move before, but it is a great fit for both Dempsey and Inter Milan.

The player would get a step up from current side Fulham, for whom he had a superb season last year, netting 17 league goals and providing many more assists across midfield. Dempsey would also have a chance to reach the Champions League, which he has said is a personal goal of his.

Inter would acquire a man who has all the tenacity and commitment that one loves to see in footballers, and can be a very productive player in virtually any forward position.

Whether at striker or on his native left wing, positions that Inter need to fill, Dempsey wreaks havoc consistently and can even slot into midfield to provide a creative boost when needed.

Theo Walcott

With just one year remaining on his contract at Arsenal, there is a distinct possibility that Theo Walcott will be on his way out of North London this summer.

The longer he dithers over a new contract, the more likely it is that he will leave, and Inter would be wise to track his progress daily.

For a club in need of a speedy, change-of-pace kind of player, Walcott is the perfect solution. The Englishman would give Inter the game-changing threat that they do not have and that teams always want.

If he does want to leave Arsenal, the Gunners would certainly be more willing to sell Walcott abroad than to a rival club like Chelsea. So a team that is sometimes thought of as rather stodgy could capitalize on what looks like a well-timed situation and land a player who could change the face of their entire attack.